Traditional Italian Spaghetti Sauce

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Traditional Italian Spaghetti Sauce is a deliciously rich and aromatic sauce that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Made with fresh tomatoes and simple herbs, it's perfect for elevating your pasta dishes to a whole new level. Let's dive right in and create something truly special!

Ingredients for Traditional Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Olive oil is the foundation of many Italian dishes, providing a subtle fruitiness and depth. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, infusing the sauce with their sweet and savory notes. The heart of this recipe is the fresh tomatoes, bringing a vibrant, juicy flavor that canned tomatoes just can't match. A touch of tomato paste adds richness and helps thicken the sauce. Water ensures the sauce simmers without sticking, while a pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Classic Italian herbs, dried oregano and dried basil, provide earthy, aromatic undertones. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and finish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness and color.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your tomatoes are particularly watery, simmer the sauce uncovered a bit longer until it thickens to your liking.
  • For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender after cooking.
  • Adjust the seasoning as needed — taste and tweak until it's perfect for you.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is a match made in heaven with spaghetti, but don't stop there! Try it with penne, rigatoni, or even as a base for lasagna. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh garlic bread and a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned whole tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How long can I store this sauce?
This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Absolutely! Brown some ground beef or Italian sausage and add it to the sauce for a hearty variation.

Traditional Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by warming the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently, stirring often, until they're soft and fragrant, about five minutes.

Next, stir in the fresh tomatoes. Let them cook for another five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and release their juices. You'll notice a lovely, fresh aroma filling your kitchen.

Now, add the tomato paste, water, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer away for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

After 45 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes. This will help the sauce thicken to your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving to keep their vibrant flavor intact.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Italian flavor without complicated techniques.
  • Makes use of fresh, wholesome ingredients.
  • Versatile and pairs well with various types of pasta.
  • Can be made ahead and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup water
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the fresh tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down.
4. Add the tomato paste, water, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Uncover and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving.

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